He was silent for several moments and seemed to carefully consider his response. “I can’t tell you what to do. I will say this, though: Love that isn’t faithful has little value. It really isn’t love at all.”

With a heavy heart, Julia left the appointment, knowing what needed to be done.

She had put up the good fight. The time had come for her to lay down her sword and accept defeat. Eddie was never coming back. This was the end. It was time to let go.

Let go of her husband.

Let go of her marriage.

Let go of her dreams for their future together.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared at the document in front of her, the words blurred through the moisture that clouded her eyes.

With her heart in her throat, she reached for the pen a second time and signed her name.

As she did, she told herself: It’s better this way.